Since 1928 the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, has prepared students for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. A Cornell delegation of more than 15 students and faculty members exemplified this leadership at FFA’s national convention in Indianapolis in early November.
“It’s one of the largest student-led conventions in the country,” said Nickie Deschaine ’27, of the event attended by 72,000 students. “It is by far one of the most eye-opening experiences in the agriculture industry to see so many careers, companies and individuals represented. It brings a lot of pride representing the Northeast.”
Deschaine has attended the convention many times as a member from Maine, however she said she has found the most value in sharing her college experience to potential students. She is a part of an organized effort to form a community among FFA alumni and pre-service agriculture educators on campus, known as Team Ag Ed at Cornell University, which was celebrated at the convention for its engagement efforts across New York.
Members of Team Ag Ed – composed of 4-H and FFA alumni – facilitate workshops, volunteer as judges and support career technical education across the state. Students in the group were awarded the prestigious American FFA degree, the highest degree bestowed on an individual, earned by only 2% of FFA membership. Recipients of this honor were Kelsey LaFave ’24, Brett Blesy ’26, Jordan Gilles ’25, Abby Gase ’25 and Emily Nelson ’26.
